Finding Your Joy

 

Yesterday I grabbed my journal and my prayer book and I headed for Starbucks to get a coffee treat, then drove to the local park for some alone time, which may sound strange, since I have the house to myself all day. But when you're at home, the laundry is calling, the dishes need doing and there's always something that seems to get in the way of truly just being able to focus. 

So I decided it was time for a change of scenery and some one-on-one time with Jesus. 

The park was kind of crowded, but I managed to find a parking spot away from the noise. I got out my journal and pen and began to write out some questions I had for the Lord. As I would pray and ask my questions, I would write down the answers as I felt them in my heart. 

I then opened my prayer book, which is a small journal I made last year, that is filled with my favorite verses from the Bible. As I read the scriptures and spent time talking with Jesus, my mind began to calm and I was able to truly focus on Him. It was a sweet, sweet time in his presence.

One of the things that I asked the Lord was "Where can I find my joy?" Now, I wasn't seeking to find happiness in that moment, but I wanted to hear from the Lord, where my joy could be found. And his answer was the same as it's been for 35 years...right where I've put you...your home and family.

You see, the world tells us that we need to do more, be more, make more, produce more and women... we are killing ourselves doing it. We are selling ourselves out there, trying to be the keeper of the home, the paycheck, the kids, the extra curricular activities and the world of social media. We've been fed a lie that we can "do it all" and that we need to, to be counted amongst the "important" and to prove ourselves in a world that craves attention and status. 

I have always known that my calling from the Lord was to be a homemaker. To care for my home and my family is where my heart has always been. It's where I find the peace and the joy. 

But every now and then, I mix up my calling with my desire to do more and it brings the discontentment, every time. It never brings satisfaction.

So, as I prayed and spoke to the Lord about the confusion I feel sometimes toward what the world deems as important, I heard him loud and clear that I'm right where he wants me to be, which is where he put me all those years ago. 

That doesn't mean God won't use me to produce something, write something, or create something. But if he does, it will be within the context of where he's already placed me and it will flow from there, where my joy is found. 

I share this private situation in hopes that it will help someone else who struggles with "just" being at home. As I have always maintained...it's not a "have to," it's a "get to." Everything else is just the cherry on top.

If you're feeling a lack of joy these days (this is different than just being happy), I encourage you to go somewhere, away from the duties of home, and get alone with Jesus. Ask him the questions that are on your mind and listen to his answers. Trust what comes during this time and know that it won't be a burning bush, a talking donkey or even fire from heaven. Some people think it has to be big and showy to be God, and they are missing the point of having an intimate relationship with him. (But that's a whole other topic). 

Listen for that still, small whisper in your spirit. It's the sweetest moment. We make Jesus so complicated and he honestly doesn't have to be. He wants to speak to you, but he wants you to lean in and hear him when he does. 

Whatever you take from this post, know that the Lord has plans for you and always has. 

I pray you find your joy there.

Until Next Time...

Blessings!